by S J Crabb
As I look at Ash I am surprised to see that his expression is now softer and gentler. His eyes swimming with tears he moves towards Aria and hugs her gently. “Thank you,” he says emotionally. Nodding she pushes him away and John pulls her against him as though comforting her. Looking at me Ash holds out his hand and says, “Come on Grace, we’ll leave them to it and I’ll try to explain everything.” As I take his hand I can feel the power emanating from him. It travels through my body and fills my soul. As I follow him from the room I wonder just what happened in there.
Chapter 28
As expected Ash takes me to the Ridge. As I sit behind him I can feel the battle within him as we speed faster and faster towards our destination. Something happened to him in that room and I just hope that he can tell me what is going on inside of him.
When we arrive for a moment he just sits looking out over the Town below. I stay silent, waiting for him to make the first move. This is for him to control and I will do everything that I can to help him. After a while he gets off the bike and helps me off. Taking my hand he guides me over to the edge of the Ridge and pulls me down beside him. We can see the Town below us. It is as though we are on top of the world and nothing can reach us from here. Putting my head on his shoulder I wait for him to speak. As we sit here in silence I can feel the torment raging within him.
After some time he squeezes my hand and looks towards me and my heart clenches as I see the torment in his eyes. Speaking softly he tells me what he saw. “Aria showed me my past Grace. I never knew any of it and she was right it is difficult to deal with.” Squeezing his hand back I say, “Can you tell me or is it too difficult.” He sighs heavily. “I have to Grace as what happened to me also relates to you in some way. If we are going to stand a chance you have to know the facts.” Feeling anxious I look at him and his eyes darken, drawing me inside him. He starts speaking in a low voice. “Aria and John went to school with my mother. She was beautiful, the most beautiful girl in the school. They were good people and had a happy life. Then my father came to town.” His face tenses and he continues. “He was very much like me. The guys wanted to be in his gang and the girls in his bed. He took over the school and soon everything changed. His story is my story Grace. History repeated itself with me. He was feared throughout the town. Nobody got in his way and he was ruthless. He had the blackest soul and showed no mercy. My mother on the other hand was very much like you. She was kind and caring and everyone liked her. Then my father decided that he wanted her. She was powerless against him. He well and truly swept her off her feet. He charmed her and then seduced her. They became a couple and I watched as she fell more and more under his spell.” Suddenly he stops and looks at me, a tortured expression on his face. Reaching up I stroke his face and kiss him briefly on the lips. “Take your time Ash, its ok,” I say softly. Relaxing slightly he continues. “She lost all of her friends and he kept her with him at all times. High school finished and she soon became pregnant with me. I could see that she was slowly being destroyed living with him. For such a good person to be around such evil began to take its toll. She became depressed and he didn’t care. There were many women and he flaunted them at her. He ruled the town much like my uncle does but in a far more sinister way. Your Guardians were always there for her but even they were powerless against him. When I was born I could see how happy that made her. She doted on me and devoted every waking hour to caring for me. My father on the other hand wanted me to grow up differently. He would enjoy making me do horrible things. It started off by encouraging me to be cruel to animals and other children. He delighted in seeing me do bad things and got angry when I showed weakness. If I cried he beat me until I stopped and rewarded me when I did something that pleased him. It was killing my mother. She couldn’t cope and it destroyed her.”
Breaking away Ash puts his head in his hands and I can feel the rage building inside of him. His memories are coming back and mixing with what Aria showed him and I can feel his pain. Taking a deep breath he continues. “By the time I was five years old she couldn’t carry on. She went to him and did what he loved best, she made a deal with him. She was leaving him and despite the fact that it would break her heart she would leave me with him. She realised that he would never allow her to take me with her and she would be powerless against him. In return for keeping away from me he had to agree that I was to live with another family for my whole school life and only see him in the holidays. That way I might stand a chance at finding myself without his influence. She asked that I go to my Uncle Jake who was married at the time to a loving and kind woman. She wanted me to have a stable family life, whatever that was, and hoped that I would grow away from my father.” Looking at me his face softens and he pulls me against him. “She did what she thought was best and tried to give me the best start that she could.” Softly I ask, “What happened to her Ash?” Angrily he says, “She couldn’t cope with what she did and ended her life. She took the easy way out Grace and left me to a life of torment with him.” Standing up he walks away and stares out over the Town. Getting up I walk over to him and taking his hand in mine say, “Don’t judge her too harshly Ash. From what you have said there was no way that she could have come back for you. She made the deal in your best interests and probably saved you in the process. What I don’t understand though is how this relates to me.” Turning to face me his eyes turn almost black and I can see the fire raging behind them. “Don’t you see Grace, this is history repeating itself. I want you more than anything I have ever wanted in my life. If I do as I want I will destroy you as he did my mother. I cannot change who I am it’s embedded in my soul. I will drive you away and you will be destroyed. I should have walked away from you but I couldn’t. Like I said I am selfish and want what’s best for me and damned anyone that gets in my way. I am bad news and you should run as far away from me as you can go.” He pulls away and turns his back on me. I watch as he battles with his own emotions and I feel powerless to help him. Moving across to him I take his hand. “Come with me Ash.” In surprise he follows me and I take him to the lake. Reaching up I take the locket from around my neck and feel the immediate release that it gives me. His eyes widen and he stares at me as though mesmerised. Removing my clothes I hold his gaze and then say softly. “Come into the water with me Ash. Take everything off and leave it behind you here. Leave those worries and memories behind on this rock and open your mind to the future instead.” I walk into the lake and gasp as I feel the cold water envelop me. Lying back I savour the feel of its soothing touch and close my eyes. I feel a splash beside me and know that he has joined me. Reaching out I pull him against me and drawing his head down to meet mine I kiss him with my full power. I can feel it racing through his body, filling him completely, edging out the bad memories and pain and replacing it with love and hope. This is all I can do for him. By pouring my love into his soul I hope to cleanse it of his pain. This is what I can do for him. He may have seen the past today but he must also see the future.
After what seems like ages we pull apart and I relax as I see that some of the pain has left his eyes. Taking my hands he says, “You don’t play fair Grace, it is I who am powerless against you.” Laughing I splash him with the water and soon we are engaged in a water fight, lightening the atmosphere and bringing us back to reality.
As we get out of the lake we lie side by side drying off in the sun. Leaning on my side I look lovingly at his beautiful face and say, “You are wrong about some things Ash.” Raising his eyes he says playfully, “Me wrong, you must have me confused with someone else because I am never wrong.” I laugh. “You forget that you are only half bad. The other half of you is your mother and from what you told me she was a good person. She was also the strongest person I have ever heard of. She gave you hope when there was none. She sacrificed herself so that you would stand a chance of a better future. You cannot condemn her for that. The part of her that is in you will work alongside the part of your father that is also inside of you. Only time wil
l tell which is the stronger. I want to help you Ash but even I recognise that this is going to be a difficult battle for you. I will be here for you though because I love you.” I watch as millions of emotions pass across his face. Then he says sadly, “I love you too Grace. You are the first person that I have ever loved. I have to keep you safe and guard your secret. If I fail then they will come and take you away. Even I know that I will be powerless against them. Aria showed me what would happen if I fail you and that scares me more than anything else I saw.” I look at him in alarm. “What did you see?” Sitting up he stares angrily around him. “I saw that if you left we would both be destroyed. Your heart would be broken and your soul damaged forever. I would be in torment and live out my life in anger. It is a huge risk that we are taking and you should know of the dangers involved.”
Sitting up I put my arm around his shoulders. “We only have one more year to worry about it. After that we will be 18 and have freedom of choice. Your father will have to let you go and so will my guardians. We can then make our own way without the fear of losing each other. Nobody will find out about my secret, we will make sure of that.” Turning around Ash says angrily, “I will protect you with everything that I have Grace. Nobody will hurt you I promise you that.” He then reaches over and kisses me with such love mixed with desperation. His kiss fills me with the anger and worry that is inside of him and as I feel it fill my body I battle with it, vowing to help him with everything in my power.
Chapter 29
We stay at the Ridge for most of the day. Hunger soon takes over and Ash takes us to Violet’s to eat. As we walk inside she looks over and rushing towards me hugs me saying, “Oh thank goodness. I was worried that I wouldn’t see you again.” Pulling back she looks at Ash with a stern expression. “I don’t know how you did it but whatever you said to them obviously worked. Don’t think you can fool me though and I will be watching you and if you put a foot wrong with this girl then you will have me to answer to. I don’t care who your father or uncle is, understand?” To my surprise Ash laughs and then reaching over hugs Violet to him. “Don’t worry Violet, there’s nobody that scares me more than you, I promise that I will behave myself.” Looking completely flustered and now extremely red Violet punches him on the arm. “Yes well flattery won’t work with me either. Come on you two; let’s get you something to eat before you waste away.”
Ash pulls me into a booth next to him and we sit squashed together as we choose what to eat. We hold hands under the table and I enjoy the feeling of him close to me. It’s not long before we are joined by Gabe and Piper. Looking anxiously at me Gabe says, “Is everything ok Grace?” Smiling I look at his worried face. “Couldn’t be better Gabe.” He visibly relaxes and then looks at Ash who is lounging beside me looking as if he hasn’t a care in the world. Gabe says, “I’m watching you Ash. Don’t think I’m scared of you because I’m not. Do anything to hurt my cousin and I’ll be after you.” Piper’s eyes widen and she pales but Ash just laughs and putting his arm around me he looks at him saying, “Relax Gabe, we want the same thing. Nothing or nobody is going to hurt Grace and that includes me, ok?” Nodding Gabe settles back and pulls Piper against him. As they decide what to order we are also joined by Cally and Jacob. Cally slides in next to Gabe and Jacob next to Ash who says, “Well isn’t this nice, all friends together.” The others laugh but I can tell that Gabe and Piper are uncomfortable. I am sure that they will soon see that they aren’t all that bad so I don’t worry about it too much. Jacob looks at us. “So what’s the plan this evening Ash?” Stretching out Ash says lazily. “Well it’s been one hell of a day so all I intend on doing is spending time with my girl and chilling out. That doesn’t include any of you so you’re off the hook.” Jacob laughs and looks at Cally with a wicked expression. “Looks like I’ll have you all to myself then baby.” Cally blushes and Ash laughs at her expression. “Looks like you’re in for one hell of a night little lady.” Cally blushes again and I nudge Ash. “Stop it Ash, you’re embarrassing her.” I say pretending to be annoyed. Everyone laughs and we are interrupted by the food arriving. By the time we have finished we have all relaxed around each other and have a good time getting to know one another. One by one everyone drifts away and Ash says, “Come on Angel, I’ll get you off home. Maybe your Aunt will be kind enough to let me stay for a while and then I’ll let you get some sleep. Like I said before, it’s been a hellava day.”
When we get home Aunt Sarah is pleased to see us and fusses around making us drinks. We sit in the kitchen watching her and I am glad to see that she appears to have relaxed a little around Ash. Looking thoughtful she says, “Listen you two, I am glad that things have worked out, but you must remember that it will only last if Grace’s secret is kept. Hopefully you will just enjoy being normal for a while and have fun, God knows you both need it and I could do without the worry.”
Ash laughs. “Don’t worry Mrs Rivers, Grace is safe with me. You will all soon realise that I am not as bad as you think.” Smiling my Aunt says, “Call me Sarah dear, and I hope so for all our sakes. Anyway, I have to love you and leave you because I promised Annie that I would help her with something. Be good you two and I’ll see you later.” As she leaves Ash pulls me towards him and grins wickedly. “I wonder what she meant by being good. Not something I usually associate with me, that’s for sure.” Laughing I raise my eyes up. “I don’t believe you Ash. I think you are not as bad as you have people believe.” Touching my lips with his he says, “Hush, somebody may hear you. I have a reputation to protect remember.” Then he kisses me and everything else is forgotten.
Chapter 30
Ash comes to collect me for school the next morning. As I see him waiting outside on his motorbike I still can’t quite believe how things have worked out. Saying goodbye to my Aunt I race over to him and he smiles happily at me. “Morning Angel, did you sleep well?” Settling behind him I wrap my arms around his waist and enjoy the feeling of him close to me. “Like a log, how about you?” “Same, although I wished you were with me, this is going to be an extremely frustrating relationship if you know what I mean.” My face burns and I bury it in his back. I can hear him laugh as he starts up the engine. I know that it will just be a matter of time before we move on to the next stage in our relationship and I feel the heat tear through me at the thought of it.
It feels good to arrive at school with him. As we pull up I can see the rest of his gang waiting. Laughing to myself I see Cally draped all over Jacob. There is no sign of Skylar or Teagan which I am glad about. I know that I will have to see them and I am not looking forward to the inevitable confrontation. As we reach them several of Ash’s friends call out to him and high five him as he passes. Holding tightly on to my hand he pulls me with him and we are soon surrounded. I can see Killian with his arm around Paisley and she nods at me nervously and then looks away. Indie is hand in hand with Quade who winks at me. I smile at Indie who smiles shyly and then lowers her eyes. Of all of them I think that I will get on with her the most. Looking at Cally I can see the excitement blazing in her eyes. Jacob has his arm around her and she is looking up at him adoringly, her cheeks flushed. Seeing them Ash laughs and then grins at me. “What?” I say looking between them all. A wicked look on his face he leans down and whispers, “Looks like your friend had a good night.” Confused I look at her and then the truth dawns on me. Wide eyed I say, “You’re kidding, what Cally and Jacob?” Nodding he pulls me against him and laughs burying his face in my hair whispering, “Don’t worry little Tess, you’re safe from me for now.” Feeling a shiver run through me I tense up. The trouble is I don’t want to be safe. I want him more than he realises, I know that he will hold back though given what he saw yesterday. Like he said, this is going be one frustrating relationship.
As we get our books from our lockers I see Cally staring dreamily into space. Piper is looking at her in confusion and catching her eye I nod in Jacob’s direction and raise my eyes. In shock Piper looks between them and the rea
lisation hits her like a freight train. Her eyes widen and there is disbelief on her face. We watch as Cally shuts her locker and Jacob slides his arm around her waist. He pulls her to him and kisses her lingeringly. Just as he does though Skylar and Teagan come around the corner and I watch in horror as Teagan’s face crumples and Skylar looks daggers at them. Hissing she says to Jacob, “Haven’t you got any feelings, can’t you stop flaunting your new bed buddy at Teagan. She loved you you know and you couldn’t give a damn about her. You’re disgusting.” Jacob turns towards them his eyes glittering and Cally shrinks behind him, worry on her face. In an ominous voice he says, “Mind your own business both of you. Just get used to the fact that I have moved on with someone much better. If you know what’s good for you you’ll leave us alone because if you even look at Cally then I’ll come for you and your friends, got it?” He looks at them menacingly and Skylar looks at him angrily. Jacob pulls Cally away with him and the two girls look after them with hatred contorting their faces. Coming over to me Piper whispers, “Come on Grace. Let’s get out of here before they start on us.” Nodding we keep our heads down and go to move away. Before we can though I feel myself being pulled against a hard chest and leaning down Ash whispers, “Going somewhere gorgeous?” Looking up I see amusement in his face and flicking a nervous look towards Skylar I can see that her attention has now shifted to us. My legs start trembling as I see the hatred in her face, but she says nothing and then looks away. Pulling me along with him Ash says, “She won’t try anything with you if she knows what’s good for her. Don’t ever let her intimidate you. You’re my girl now and I won’t have you walking around here trying to be invisible any more.” Nodding I follow him but despite what he says I do feel worried. Skylar won’t let this go that much I do know.
